introspective
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of introspective
First recorded in 1800–10; from Latin intrōspect(us), past participle of intrōspicere “to look within” + -ive ( def. ); see introspection ( def. )
Explanation
Someone who is introspective spends considerable time examining his own thoughts and feelings. If you take to your diary after an unhappy break-up, you are being introspective. The Latin word introspicere means to look inside, and that's what an introspective person does, metaphorically speaking. It's different from meditative and pensive in that they can refer to contemplating anything, whereas introspection involves specifically contemplating yourself.
Vocabulary lists containing introspective
Common Senses: Spec, Spect, Spic ("Look")
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100 SAT Words Beginning with "I"
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Think Like Sherlock: It's Elementary
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Introspective and polite, he didn’t commit a single rules infraction during two decades in prison.
From Seattle Times • Oct. 2, 2023
Introspective and melancholy, the song flickers with a potent combination of regret, revenge and nostalgia.
From Salon • Dec. 25, 2021
Introspective and unassuming, with a reputation as Mr. Nice Guy, Mr. Starr was an unlikely success in the smash-mouth NFL.
From Washington Post • May 26, 2019
Introspective electro-pop from a singer who got fed up with the pop machine.
From BBC • Nov. 19, 2015
"Introspective Psychology, On Some Omissions of," 1, 230.
From The Letters of William James, Vol. II by James, William
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
